Murphy encourages readers to begin keeping a scripture journal. The only real question is, are we listening? (15). The Holy Ghost is always whispering to us. In this particular “journey,” Nancy Murphy is that seasoned and insightful senior companion we all need ? the one that helps us identify the Spirit. Yet, we often fail to act on the guidance he offers, as if he were simply an optional part of our lives (135). She explains further that without the Holy Ghost there would be “no comfort for the sorrowful, no forgiveness for the penitent, no peace for those blown to and fro by the wayward winds of the world” (135).Ĭertainly, none of us would invite such a circumstance, for “life without the Holy Ghost would truly be no life at all,” Murphy says. Just as the Holy Ghost leads us to Christ, it is only through the Spirit that we can truly come to know the Master (14). I came to the invaluable conclusion that when I wonder if it is the Spirit whispering to me ? it usually is! (Her chapter titled, “Is it the Holy Ghost Speaking?” was excellent.) Now I view the Holy Ghost as a more crucial, critical being.

I learned much about the nature of the Holy Ghost - facts about his attributes and abilities I hadn’t considered before. Whisperings of the Spirit lives up to Murphy’s promise.

When that happens, you will have transformed these simple pages of information into a lasting and very personal experience as you live by the whisperings of the Spirit (2). You will see him more readily in everyday experiences and more clearly be able to hear his voice. As you spend a few minutes completing each small task, you will break down barriers, be more aware of his presence, and feel a renewed connection with the Holy Ghost. Her promise?Įach step will take you closer to him and lead you to the path where you walk constantly by his side. “Communicating with the Spirit is a process” she says, “not an event” (6). Murphy invites readers to join her on a journey. I followed the action steps she included at the end of each chapter intended to “deepen relationship with the Holy Ghost” (1). With more effort and a better understanding of how God works through this vital member of the Godhead, I knew I could feel closer to the Savior and more confident in my ability to hear His voice. At other times we are so distracted, busy, and consumed with the daily-ness of life that we drift through each day, annoyed by a little tug on our soul that seems to say something is missing.Īs I picked up Murphy’s book I realized before I had finished the first chapter that my communication with the Spirit needed improvement. Sometimes we feel so coupled with the Spirit, linked, in-tune and open to God’s smallest instruction. We long to be connected to the heavens, yet our relationship with the Spirit often succumbs to our own indolence and weakness. His voice is constant, if only we have ears to hear (5).Ĭoming to recognize and respond when we hear the Holy Ghost is one of life’s greatest challenges.

As we look more closely, we find him everywhere. The Holy Ghost enters every corner of our lives. Nancy Murphy, author of Whisperings of the Spirit, says, Both the mother and father simultaneously said yes. Out of breath, more from nerves than energy expenditure, I asked them again if they would permit missionaries to come to their home and teach them about eternal families. When I told my companion what I was thinking she urgently said, “That’s the Spirit! Go!” So I raced into the parking lot and caught them just as they were piling into their car. How could I run after them and ask them again? They already said no!

As my senior companion knelt down by me to ask how it had gone, the thought came to me, Go after them. I could still see them walking to their car in the parking lot. They kindly declined.Īs I sadly watched them walk away, I plopped into a large pink chair to ponder. At the conclusion of the tour I asked them to fill out a referral card. We shared what I thought was a spiritual experience. Years ago, as a new missionary, I remember taking my first tour (a nonmember family from Iowa) through the Nauvoo Visitors’ Center.

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